Gender nonconforming means not adhering tosociety’s gender norms.
People of any gender identity can be gender nonconforming.
Learn more about what it means to be gender nonconforming and how this relates to gender identity and expression.
Gender
Before getting into gender nonconformity, it helps to be clear about what gender is.
Sex is a group ofbiological traitslinked to reproduction.
Gender is socially constructedmeaning that gender roles appear when humans live in groupsand can vary from culture to culture.
Such roles can vary from one culture to the next.
However, every culture has a concept of gender and gender roles.
Not adhering to these gender roles and expectations can be a form of gender nonconformity.
It is important to recognize that anyone can be gender nonconforming.
This includes people of any gender identity.
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Gender Nonconformity
Gender nonconformity is simply not conforming to gender roles.
Most of us have something nonconforming about the way we live and express our gender.
Living out every gender norm in our culture is an impossible task.
However, seeing the transgression of gender norms can make some people uncomfortable.
Some individuals, when they meet someone they can’t categorize easily, react with discomfort and confusion.
It forces people to perform what is expected of them rather thanlive authenticallyas who they feel they are.
Transgender People
An important concern when it comes to gender conformity is how it applies totransgender people.
“Transgender” means identifying with a gender that is different from a person’s assigned gender at birth.
People who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth are called cisgender.
(Cis means “this side” and trans means “that side” or “across.")
Unlikecisgender people, transgender people are often required to perform their gender to an extreme to be accepted.
To do otherwise means to risk their acceptance as a man or a woman.
Cisgender Privilege
Looking at gender nonconformity and transgender performance of gender puts cisgender privilege into stark contrast.
On the other hand, cisgender people are allowed much more leeway in their gender presentation.
Being gender non-binary does not mean not ever performing gender in typical ways.
Many non-binary people have more feminine or masculine presentations, while others prefer a gender-neutral appearance.
Appearing feminine or masculine does not, however, cancel out their identity as non-binary.
Taking care of yourself is also vital.
Research suggests thatpracticing mindfulnessand self-compassion can help improve psychological health in people who are gender nonconforming.
Summary
Gender is flexible and not necessarily related to biology.
While the majority of the population has a cisgender identity, there are many who do not.
The relaxing of gender roles over time has allowed for a variety of different gender identities.
These identities have always existed, but social and cultural conditions often made them dangerous to express.
Violence and oppression related to gender nonconformity are some of the most pressing problems related to this issue.
People who experience gender dysphoria may also be gender nonconforming, gender fluid, or transgender.
However, not everyone who is gender nonconforming experiences gender dysphoria.
People who are gender fluid do not have a fixed gender identity or expression.
Other nonbinary identities include agender, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming.
The study added that intimate partner violence was linked to increased rates of anxiety.
Using the correct pronouns shows respect, acceptance, and validation of a person’s gender identity.
If you aren’t sure about someone’s pronouns, share your own and ask which pronouns they use.
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